Bret Mulligan

Great sail from Martinique to St. Lucia, although the SE wind required a final beat into a Rodney Bay. Experienced electrical problems in the morning solenoid wouldn’t catch NAV panels wouldn’t turn on. Once engine on then solenoid worked and panels as well. Since battery was more than 50% charged it must be an under volt issue, since turning on motor remedied both. Motored to clear wind shadow against knot plus current. and then set sail consistently 6 to 7 1/2 kn but wind direction from Southeast plus Tide plus Leeway put us about 7 miles off of St. Lucia and had to beat back towards Rodney Bay. Became a little gusty towards end, but finished in fine style. Anchored at Pigeon Island. Drank celebratory drink! The beach area was VERY loud but eventually the music stopped and the night was very peaceful. In evening noticed that lights dimmed almost to out when macerator in head was running.

Quick sail across bay to Anse Noir. Anchored but decide to move dither out because of uncertainty about winds. Near north wall. Place was hopping with party boats. Loud and rolly when we arrived be cleared out towards dusk with just one noisy boat remain. Other three quiet sailboats. I snorkeled around anse. The south wall is probably spectacular in the morning light. Party boats have churned up sand so visibility not great.

F5. Perfect late morning sail to Fort de France. Addie and I snorkeled in the marine area on the north of Grande Anse in the morning. Beautiful! Many fish and dozens of sea turtles!

Motor sailed until we cleared wind shadow near Le Carbet and then had great sail south. Grande Anse is a confusing anchorage with all of the semi defunct moorings. Dropped anchor but dragged for 50 feet before catching. Addie and I headed ashore and walked the treacherous morne champagne to Anse d’Arlet. Nice boardwalk and beach there. Headed back in road. Neighbor who was on mooring was concerned that we would swing into him since we were in anchor. He suggested that we take the nearby mooring but its rode was frayed so we headed to another that I confirmed was secure. But this one was too close to the channel according to a kayaker so we anchored but neighbor said we were too close. So we anchored again a little further out. Fifth time a charm. Just enough time to make our reservation at Kalua. Great!

After a peaceful morning we set out N for St Pierre. Motored to entrance of bay to charge batteries then set sails and had perfect reach north on calm seas. Saw flying fish and a large pod of dolphins (Ellie’s first in the wild). Made great time until winds faltered around Le Carbet. Motor sailed and eventually motored last few miles to St Pierre. Moored at Rade de St Pierre (helpful captainerie on Ch 9) assisted. Explored waterfront with Ellie and then headed into town with Addie to pay for mooring (15.66!) and found great little cafe and shop (Creole Arts). Addie and I snorkeled on La Tayana mermaid sculpture. Also saw GIAnt ship anchor for ship lost in eruption of My Pelée in 1902. Cool fish, although had to dive down to see most. Saw a green sea snake on the bottom). Restaurants were closed for dinner because of holiday so we enjoyed dinner on board and a quiet night of music and cards.

Pleasant day sail around the Fort de France Bay. F5-6, relatively steady with no waves. Beautiful! Anchored in Les Trois Islet in 4m. First anchoring wouldn’t set so relocated. E and I explored waterfront and the A and I went ashore for provisions. Google Maps led us astray but a helpful accras vendor set us on way to main supermarket. Along the way stopped at amazing bakery to pick up breakfast for tomorrow. Had a time storing dingy. A winch overrode and I wasn’t able to get a rolling hitch working on the jammed line. Eventually freed with davit line.

After morning shopping and buying delicious food in Ste Anne Run to reach to beat from Ste Anne to Anse Mitan. Beautiful sailing in the almost while way, although wins, sometimes flaky near land. Hugged close to shore to avoid bigger rollers meant was in wind shadow of island for down wind leg eventually cleared island when rounding point keep Solomon and beating to north wind really picked up 22-24+ might’ve been better to go a little further offshore less driving more stream, but also more waves anchored in 6.5 m. Replaced bowline on bridal with linesman’s loop. Dingeyed in and girls explored while I sat on beach (wrong shoes). Snubber slipped at night, might have given chain too much slack. Anchorage a little rolly because of small boat wakes. Taco Tuesday 🌮! Enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show across the bay in Fort de France (Les Boucans de la Baie).

F4-5 in Mod-Slight seas. Left left Marigo Bay early because of feared engine problems but they were OK so no need to stop at Rodney Bay. Long tack up to Martinique. Wind angle and current caused us to make landing near diamond rock and then had to beat to Saint Anne. Sea state was moderate and confused in the channel but diminished to slight under the lee of Martinique making for much more pleasurable sailing anchored in 7 m of water third of a mile off Saint Anne. Dingied in to explore and then back for dinner tasty but mistake with order led to very long dinner. Very peaceful night at anchor.